Ribbon Cutter for Lei

Disclosure: Some links are affiliate. 

Last school year I decided to make a bunch of lei for graduation.  In the process, my hands got quite messed up, with numerous cuts and blisters from cutting all the ribbon.

But with experience comes learning, and I learned that ribbon cutters exist!  They are actually tape cutters that I found on Amazon, but the descriptions and images said that they could be used with ribbon as well.  You simply insert the ribbon, feed it through the cutter, set your cut ribbon length, and set how many pieces you would like the machine to cut (you can also set it to cut until the entire length of the ribbon is gone).  You can cut one or two spools of ribbon at a time. 

The first time I found it a bit tricky to do two spools of ribbon at once and ensure that they are cut the same length at the same time (just be sure the ribbons get fed through the cutter at the same time), but once I determined how to feed it through adequately, the cutter worked well.

This cutter has saved my hands and saved me so much time!

This lei I made used 1080 pieces of ribbon.  I can't even imagine how long it would've taken me to cut by hand.  And for sure the ribbons would not have all been the same size..

 If you make a lot of ribbon lei, consider a ribbon cutter - your hands will thank you!

Read More

Another Ribbon Lei

We were in need of more lei, so I decided to try my hand at a different ribbon lei style after watching a reel by @yannyletters.

Unfortunately, the store I went to did not have the correct kind of satin ribbon, so I bought whatever I could find in the colors I needed (because I wasn't about to go to another store).

It was a lot of improvising, making do with the ribbons I had, and I also added kukui nut in between to take up space.

I think the lei turned out pretty decent with the ribbon types I used, but I'm going to stock up on the correct ribbons ahead of time to make a better ribbon petal lei for next graduation season. 

It definitely goes to show you that you can make lei with whatever you have on hand or can find, and as long as it is made with intent, the recipient will be appreciative.

Read More

I Tried It - Nat's Eyelash Yarn Lei Instructions

Links below are affiliate. 

I wanted to get a head start on lei for graduation season, and decided to try making the Eyelash Yarn Lei that Nat blogged about a few years ago - she made it look so easy!  

And it was!

I ended up buying the eyelash yarn on Amazon.com since I couldn't find the colors I wanted at Longs (it was also cheaper than the sale price at Longs).  

I also repurposed kukui from all the lei I received from hotel visits, used a straw I had lying around, so the costs for supplies were minimal.   

I think they turned out great - and like Nat said, they are super easy to make, takes very little time, are economical, and last forever (they can be re-used and re-gifted too).  

Thanks, Nat, for blogging about the Eyelash Yarn Lei! 

Read More